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United States Naval
Training Station, Newport, RI
July - August 1942
Dad began training in early July and from the very beginning always
thought highly of his service in the US Navy. Although Dad enjoyed
his experience in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in New
Mexico, he thought the Navy was a whole lot better. Dad's training
while at the USNTS in Newport, RI was summed up in a letter to his
sister Mae that described the drilling he received by stating that
"they teach us everything, shooting, marching,
rowing and even exercise every day." Dad, as an Apprentice
Seamen, was in Co 523, Battalion #5 while at the USNTS and earned
$50.00 per month.
Cooks and Bakers School - New Orleans, Louisiana
August - December 1942
After leaving Newport, RI, Dad spent a couple of hours in New York
City before heading to New Orleans (Algiers), Louisiana and additional
training. On seeing New York for the first time Dad said that
"its as huge as you read about - crowded,
busy and high buildings". During his short
layover he only could see the Empire State Building from a distance
but he did get to ride the subway which he said was "a thrill in itself".
More amazing to Dad was the fact that
"for a nickel you can ride all day and night".
Also during these 2 hours Dad "visited
bar rooms, restaurants, and chatted with Canadian sailors, R.A.F.
Flyers and even a Norwegian".
Dad arrived at the US Naval Training Station in New Orleans, Louisiana
on August 20th and originally assigned to Barrack 3 W pictured on
the right. Dad eventually was assigned to Barracks 18E and began training
at the Cooks and Bakers School where he noted that being a cook had
some extra privileges like sleeping "in bunks
for a change and [we] have very little discipline". On
the top right is a picture of the entrance to the US Naval Receiving
Station.
After arriving in Louisiana Dad wasted no time in writing to his sister.
He wrote her on August 21st using USO stationary in the
"midst of a very bad rainstorm"
and asked her for two small favors. He needed to borrow some
money until September 3rd and also wanted her to send the
pictures of Lynda that he inadvertently
left behind in his brother Jay's car while home on leave from basic
training.
United States Naval Training Station - New Orleans, LA
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Above and Right: Several photos taken at
the USNTS in New Orleans, LA are shown here. The other photos
are of the base and of a set up for some celebration-possibly
a graduation ceremony from Cooks and Bakers School.
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Left and Bottom: United States Naval Training Station Chapel
and Statutes of the Holy Family near the Chapel. |
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Dad got to visit several places and see some sites while stationed
in Louisiana. The round trip ticket via the Louisville and Nashville
Railroad on September 5, 1942 was for a day trip to Bay
St. Louis, Mississippi.
Leitch, Aita, and Lacey (Jersey) are pictured
above
This photo titled "Your Navy on Parade
on Canal Street" was given to Dad by J.T. Harryman on September
6, 1942. Dad wrote on the back saying that "Baker Harryman
as swell as his pies and cakes". The photo was taken on the
July 4, 1941.
United States Coast Guard Parade September
5, 1942. J. T. Harryman identified as being in background
Sailors enrolled in Cooks and Bakers School
at the time Dad was there. Dad is circled in the second row, second
from the right in this group photo. Dad also identified the following
in the photo above (Some are also included in the Photo Gallery):
Slim, Baker, Red, Wagner, Briegman, Harwell, Vick, Paich, Frenchie,
Dye, Gabby, Morgan, Culpep, Pete, Spam, Dusty, Rollie and another
Frenchie
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